Tom Wilson tehohåhake (two roads) is a Canadian musician, songwriter, famed storyteller and visual artist. Wilson’s memoir, Beautiful Scars, published by Penguin/Random House has become a national bestseller.
In his memoir, Wilson reveals the impact of discovering his indigenous heritage. Musically, Wilson is best known for his work with Blackie & The Rodeo Kings and Lee Harvey Osmond, the latter receiving a 2020 Juno Award for the album Mohawk.
In 1989, Wilson became the founder of the popular rock band Junkhouse. The band quickly grew in popularity and in 1993 signed a recording contract with Sony Music Canada. Lead by Wilson, Junkhouse skyrocketed in the 90’s, producing three albums, Strays, Birthday Boy and Fuzz, before disbanding. The style and success of Junkhouse has been an inspiration to many young Hamilton artists. Wilson recorded his first solo album Planet Love (2001) for Sony Music.
It was also during this time that Wilson starting dedicating more of his time and energy to his second passion, painting.
“I needed an outlet besides writing music and there is a great meditative bond I found between me and the canvas.” – Tom Wilson
His art show “Beautiful Scars: Mohawk Warriors, Hunters and Chiefs” premiered at the Art Gallery of Burlington and his work “The Mystic Highway” was commissioned by the Canadian Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences for a 30’ x 30’ reproduction legacy piece adorning John Street in Hamilton. The painting pays homage to the rich history of Hamilton musicians and performers from past.
In 1999, as a result of their shared love and admiration for one of Canada’s great musical treasures, the late Willie P. Bennett, Wilson along with Stephen Fearing and Colin Linden formed what would become the acclaimed roots supergroup Blackie and the Rodeo Kings.